Surf Sports
What is Surf Sports?
Surf sports is the competitive side of surf life saving, but it is much more than sport. Every discipline helps build the skills, fitness and confidence lifesavers need to carry out Surf Life Saving’s core purpose: saving lives on our beaches.
Surf sports competitions, often known as surf carnivals, are held at club, Territory, national and international levels. Competitors of all ages can take part, with events developed from core lifesaving skills and techniques.
Competition is fun, challenging and often fierce, but it is always grounded in teamwork, sportsmanship and the values of surf life saving. Whether you are competing, coaching, officiating or cheering from the beach, surf sports offers something exciting for everyone.
Coaching
Coaches plays a vital role in the Surf Life Saving Sport Pathway.
Surf Life Saving Australia's National Coaching Accreditation Scheme delivers best practice coach education. The coach education framework (shown below) reflects the coach pathway relevant to the athlete development pathway.
Coaching accreditation levels
SLS coaching accreditation is broken into four (4) separate levels:
- Foundation
- Development
- Performance
- High Performance
Pre-requisites to be a coach
To become a coach, you must:
Must be 16 years or older
Must be a financial member of Surf Life Saving Northern Territory.
Must have a Working with Children Check (Ochre Card) (if over 18)
Bronze Medallion: Development in water-based disciplines
ASADA Level 1 Anti-Doping Course: Development Coach
READY TO START?
View the accreditation process and begin now!
Coaching accreditations must be renewed every four years. If your coaching qualification has expired for more than three months, you may be required to complete a new accreditation.
Resources
Patrols & Prevention
We create safer environments through beach patrols and proactive safety measures, helping to prevent incidents before they occur.
Marine Search & Rescue
Our 24/7 Marine Search & Rescue Team is operated by volunteers and supported by a fleet of rescue watercraft, providing assistance across the greater Darwin region.
Training & Education
Through the Australian Lifesaving Academy, we deliver accredited lifesaving and first aid training, customised to meet the needs of individuals, organisations, and industry.
Lifeguard Services
Find a clubThrough the Australian Lifeguard Service, we provide professional lifeguard coverage at aquatic venues across Darwin, as well as first aid support at events.
Officiating
An official is any person who controls or judges the technical aspects of a competition through the application of rules and event requirements. Officials also help protect the spirit of surf sports, ensuring events are enjoyable and respectful for everyone involved.
Official accreditation levels
Official accreditation is divided into three levels:
- Core Official
- Technical Official
- Senior Official
Descriptions of these roles can be found in section 13 (pg. 269) of the Surf Sports Manual.
Prerequisites to be an official
- Must be 16 years or older
- Must be a financial member of Surf Life Saving Northern Territory or another SLSA or RLSSA organisation
- Must have a Working with Children Check (Ochre Card) - 18 years and over
READY TO START?
View the accreditation process and begin now!
Official accreditations last for four years. During this time, officials must obtain 100 officiating points, recorded in a logbook, to be eligible for reaccreditation. If your accreditation has expired for more than three months, you may be required to complete a new accreditation.
Resources
Resources and manuals
General Competition
Australian Surf Sports Manual No. 3 – 38th Edition – revised October 2025.
Little Nippers & Nippers
IRB Competition
Get involved in Surf Sports
Whether you want to compete, coach, officiate or support your club, surf sports is a great way to build skills, confidence and community connection through surf life saving.
Visit the
Event Calendar to see upcoming carnivals, training opportunities and surf sports events.
